Child, Youth & Family Services

Child, Youth & Family Services

All children deserve to have the best possible start in life. If a crisis is developing in a family, CatholicCare understands the importance of “getting in early” to prevent the situation from escalating.

We have specialised services and a support network to address any issue. Our aim is to improve the relationships between parents and their children and keep those relationships functional. We like to think of it as “helping you get upstream”.

Our multiple services are integrated and our clinical services are unmatched. There is no “wrong door” at CatholicCare.

The Parenting Hub is the platform supporting our early intervention programs. Brighter Futures works alongside families facing challenges. This program provides support and specialised child protection intervention support services for families expecting, or with children under 9 years of age.

Our emphasis on a family-based approach sets us apart. When a child or young person cannot live with their own parents or extended family, a safe place is required for them to stay. Foster carers nurture these young people, providing stability and support, empowering them to reach their full potential.

Emergency carers have a willingness to accept children and young people into their homes at little notice, for varying periods of time, generally a few nights to a few weeks.

Respite care is a support mechanism for full-time carers that allows them to re-energise and build resilience. Respite care can be arranged for regular short periods; for example, one weekend a month for 12 months, or for a week every school holiday period.

Short term/restoration is, on average, provided for about six to nine months, but can be anything from an overnight stay to as long as 12 months.

Long-term foster care is provided to children who can no longer live with their parents or family. It requires a high-level of commitment and may ultimately lead to Guardianship or Open Adoption.

There are several steps involved in becoming a foster carer with CatholicCare. They are all designed to increase your knowledge and skills in caring for children.

Once you and your family have completed the CatholicCare training program, your suitability for becoming a foster carer will be assessed through the industry standard Step By Step assessment process. Our foster carers come from a variety of backgrounds and are not required to be Catholic or married.

Ultimately foster carers are there to support and nurture the children, provide them with stability and help them meet their full potential. These traits know no gender, race or religious boundaries.

About CatholicCare

Throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, the Upper Hunter and Manning, CatholicCare offers support, assistance and education to all families and individuals, regardless of age, gender or religion.